“So next season it’s five England clubs against four from Spain, for the first time. That is the first attack.

“I really think one or two English teams will make the last four.

“And I expect we will be saying something different about English sides this time next year.”

While expecting an influx of world-class talent to Premier League clubs on the field, Matthaus also feels that the quality of coaches in England will aid the quest of the respective sides taking aim at the grandest of trophies.

He added: “The competition has been dominated by Spanish sides over the past few years.

“But next season, with the quality English sides have on the bench and on the field, I feel it will be different.

“There is no doubt that English football now has some of the best coaches — maybe even the best.